Translations by gtranslate.io
This is an old revision of the document!
In the beginning, Locus Map was designed to work with SDcard as external storage space for all data related to the application - downloaded SQLite maps, point databases, SRTM data etc. All worked flawlessly until Android OS version 4.4.2. came on stage. It brought redefined conditions of SD card reading/writing permissions - Locus could not randomly read and write in its database files. And much data is stored in databases in Locus - raster maps, points, tracks, some settings. Here we summarize conditions of using Locus with SD card after the change:
Unfortunately Android 4.4.2 brought a new feature that prevents all installed applications from writing data randomly on external SD card. That means Locus Map cannot correctly store and edit any database related files - maps, points or tracks if their designated storage is on SD card.
Your downloaded maps and other personal offline maps from other sources can be kept on SD card and defined as External maps in Locus.
Every app on Android has its own special folder on SDcard which is writable only for this app. So it seems like the best solution how to place map on SDcard on KitKat. But Locus (in default) does not use it because there are two main weaknesses:
Anyway if you decide to use it follow these steps:
Locus offline raster maps can be stored in external directory on SD card. Please follow steps bellow:
The result is that the Locus working directory will be placed on internal memory and all maps will be located in external folder on SDcard. This issue is also described in article: Saving offline maps on SD-card under Android 4.4 (KitKat) >>
Another option for rooted devices is to format your SD card in FAT32 system in your PC. That eliminates the file system rights. If you use a SD card larger than 64 GB you need a tool like H2format for Windows to format the SD card with FAT32. Be aware that this does not support files larger than 4 GB.
Beginning with Android 6 not even rooted devices can acquire the full access to SD card.
For more information please see:
Every application can create its own package-specific directories on SD card and use it for writing own data. Unfortunately there are more reasons why this solution is not suitable for Locus Map.
Android 5.0 partially loosens strict permissions of applications writing on SD cards. After a week of extensive work we managed to enable storing vector maps, SRTM data and backups on SD card. All other Locus folders must remain in the internal memory, it is not possible to run them on SD card without issues.
Works since Locus Map 3.11.0
If you have a device with SD card and want to save some storage space, follow these instructions:
If you had set these directories earlier in 3.10.x versions or older, it is necessary to perform the setting once again as the new Locus Map needs a new permission to write on SD card from the operation system. Otherwise the SD directories will not be activated!
Beginning with Android 6 not even rooted devices can acquire the full access to SD card.